It’s that magical time of year again when Bristol transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the unmistakable buzz of Christmas in the air. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, the Bristol Christmas Market is the perfect place to soak up the holiday spirit. Located in the heart of Bristol City Centre, this year’s market promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a host of events, stalls, and entertainment to make your festive season truly special.
Dates and Location
The Bristol Christmas Market will run from Friday, 7th November, until Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all it has to offer. The market is located in the Bristol Shopping Quarter, centred around Broadmead, where you’ll find over 50 charming stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. The market is open daily from 10am to 7pm for festive shopping, with food stalls and bars staying open until 10pm for those looking to enjoy an evening out.
What to Expect
This year, the market is set to be more spectacular than ever, with an expanded layout and over 50 unique stalls offering a treasure trove of gifts and crafts. From handmade decorations to sustainable, plastic-free gifts like beeswax wraps and up-cycled jewellery, there’s something for everyone on your list.
Beyond the shopping, the market is a full-on festive experience. The food and drink offerings are a highlight, featuring fan favorites like German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, crepes, and churros. The popular two-storey Yorkshire Pudding Wrap Hut is also making a comeback. The main hub of the market, the Jäger Barn Bar, has been revamped and will be serving up mulled wine, cider, and other festive drinks with heated seating. You can also check out the brand-new Bar Glissè in Broadmead Piazza, which promises an après-ski vibe with a DJ on weekend evenings.
For a unique and memorable experience, you can book a private, cozy spot to relax with friends or family. The market’s popular ski gondolas and igloos are returning, and they are also introducing a new hot-air balloon basket booth. These private pods are perfect for sipping on drinks and enjoying a charcuterie board.
Entertainment is a major part of the festivities. The market will host live music from local performers from Thursday to Sunday evenings at the Jäger Barn Bar, with scheduled performances from artists like Ben Foulds and John Prescott. For the kids, there will be visits from Santa and his elves, as well as bubble-blowing fairies and balloon artists. There is even an exciting new “Christmas Express” kids’ train ride! With so much to see and do, the Bristol Christmas Market is the perfect place to kick off your holiday celebrations.
Festive Food and Drink
No Christmas market experience is complete without indulging in some seasonal treats! At Bristol Christmas Market, you’ll find a fantastic selection of food stalls offering everything from traditional German Bratwurst and Yorkshire pudding wraps to sweet delights like crepes and churros. For those with dietary preferences, there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans too.
Head over to the Jäger Barn Bar for a taste of Bavarian charm. Enjoy a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine), mulled cider, or Bailey’s hot chocolate while soaking up live music in this cosy Alpine-style bar. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from shopping and enjoy some festive cheer.
Beyond the Market: Other Festive Events in Bristol
While the main Bristol Christmas Market is undoubtedly the festive heart of the city, there’s a whole host of other incredible events and activities happening across Bristol this winter to get you in the holiday mood.
For a unique and truly magical experience, head out to Tyntesfield, the stunning National Trust estate just a stone’s throw from the city. This year, the house and grounds will be transformed for “Once Upon a Christmas Time,” a festive fairytale trail. Wander through enchanting scenes inspired by classic stories like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family, with festive workshops, concerts, and delicious treats on offer.
If you’re looking for a brilliant Christmas show, Bristol Old Vic is presenting its annual festive production. This year, they’re staging the classic adventure story Treasure Island, perfect for a family outing. For younger audiences, the enchanting Antarctica promises an unforgettable story filled with puppets, instruments, and snowy surprises.
For something a little different, the Christmas Spiegeltent is returning to the Harbourside with its famous Christmas parties. You can book a table for a night of fine dining, dazzling cabaret, and a live band with dancing until late. It’s a fantastic option for a work night out or a special celebration with friends.
And for those who prefer to shop local, don’t miss St Nicholas Market and the Bristol Pop-Up Shop in The Galleries. St Nick’s is a year-round institution and truly comes into its own at Christmas, with a huge collection of independent traders perfect for finding quirky and heartfelt gifts. The Bristol Pop-Up Shop, located in the former Jack Wills unit, brings together over 100 of Bristol’s best designers and makers under one roof, making it a one-stop-shop for unique, locally-made presents.
Tips for Your Visit to Bristol Christmas Market
- Plan Ahead: Given its popularity, the market can get crowded, especially on weekends. Try visiting on a weekday or early in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Stay Warm: The weather will of course be cold, so don’t forget your gloves and a cosy scarf!
- Explore the Area: Make a day of it by exploring the surrounding areas. Bristol’s vibrant streets offer a variety of shops, cafes, and historical sites to enjoy.
- Check for Special Events: Keep an eye out for special Christmas events at the market, such as themed nights or charity events, to make your visit even more memorable.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, and sometimes need a little bit of encouragement to get into the Christmas spirit, the Christmas markets in Bristol offers just that. You can make some great memories here and the joy of the season can be shared with friends and family. So, wrap up warm, grab a cup of mulled wine, and immerse yourself in the festive cheer that Bristol has to offer. Whether you’re revisiting old traditions or creating new ones, the Bristol Christmas fair is a place where the magic of Christmas truly comes to life.
So, mark your calendars, set the date, and be ready to dive into the heartwarming atmosphere of Bristol’s Christmas celebration. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! To discover more about festive events in 2025, visit our guide to the biggest Christmas markets in the UK.
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